This course is a broad introduction to major topics and significant themes in East Asian history with a primary focus on places we now call China and Japan. Significantly, we will explore the history of both from a comparative perspective that stresses the impact and influence of each society on the other in an effort to transcend the intellectual limitations imposed by the political boundaries of the nation-state. In doing so, we will interrogate problems of historical knowledge and representation relevant to anyone possessing a sincere desire to develop a contemplative and compassionate understanding of our shared human past.

Course Materials: All materials are available through our course Blackboard (Bb) webpage. - Lecture videos from Prof. Esselstrom and other online video clips - Historical primary source documents for class discussion and/or daily quizzes - Webpage links for class discussion and/or participation quizzes

Unit Essays – 52.5% Class Discussions – 28.5% Participation Quizzes – 19%